Basic Information
- MLS # 12677337
- Type Detached Single
- Status Active
- Year Built 1938
- Date Listed 07/03/2026
- Days on Market 96
TAKES OUR BREATH AWAY! For agents representing discerning luxury buyers, Shagbark is the most extraordinary offering to come to the North Shore. Walter Frazier's celebrated 1938 architectural masterpiece, Shagbark, comes to market following a six-year, no-detail-overlooked re-mastery of the entire estate. Shagbark blends grand architecture and bygone craftsmanship with the efficiency and reliability of all new infrastructure and interiors. This isn't another beautiful Lake Forest Grand Dame who's seen better days, this is a breathtaking example of a renovation. Hidden in plain sight on 11 acres (3.5 acres of irrigated grounds buffered by 7.5 acres of tax incentivized native prairie), Shagbark encompasses 11,000 square feet of absolute perfection. The residence offers six bedrooms, eight full baths, and three half baths, including two primary suites, one on the main level. At the heart of the home is a bespoke Clive Christian kitchen featuring a fireplace, Baccarat chandeliers, a custom La Cornue Chateau Grand Palais 180 range, and Miele appliances. Every bed, bath and inch of space has been renovated and beautifully finished. Seven fireplaces (six have been renovated to dual fuel, gas or wood). Additional highlights include a 600-gallon saltwater aquarium, gift-wrap room, whole-property RO water system, resort-style pool, half basketball court, 28 zones of indoor and outdoor audio, and 18 wireless high speed access points. The interiors, designed by Joey Leicht Designs and JTM Creative, are extraordinary. Even more compelling, the estate is offered fully furnished with the curated collection of designer furniture from Ebanista, Holly Hunt, Dorya, Gracie, Baccarat, Ralph Lauren Home, Baker Furniture and other distinguished makers. The estate's major systems have been comprehensively modernized, including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical infrastructure. The renovated Ludowici clay tile roof will require little more than routine maintenance for decades to come. A former kennel has been transformed into a Canyon Ranch-inspired fitness center with spa bath/steam. A restored greenhouse connects to a sophisticated cigar lounge. Renowned landscape architect, John Mariani, reimagined the grounds with magnificent hardscapes, garden rooms, cutting gardens, and the addition of more than 200 mature trees, creating remarkable beauty and privacy. The approach itself is unforgettable. A half-mile driveway winds through mature woodlands before revealing the estate's gates. Forest & Bluff magazine (May 2026) described the arrival as "stepping into a fairytale." A stand of magnificent Century-old oak trees greets your arrival, as if to prepare you for the many jaw dropping moments that unfold at Shagbark. Shagbark's history is as compelling as its architecture. Originally built for James Rankin Getz and Betsy Needham Getz, prominent figures in Lake Forest social and philanthropic circles, the estate remained in the Getz family for more than sixty years. Getz was instrumental in the creation of the Village of Mettawa in 1960. Adjacent to Lake Forest, the Village of Mettawa's financial structure is the most coveted municipal set-up in Illinois, and one of its best-kept secrets. By living in The Village, you're in Illinois' sole tax haven (with access to the best public schools in the state). Mettawa operates like a private holding company on behalf of its 230 residences: collecting sales tax revenue from Lake Forest Oasis, Costco and Grainger, it then pays an annual cash dividend to its residents in the form of a real estate tax rebate-- $12,000 rebated to Shagbark in 2025. Illinois' Conservation Stewardship Program is in place on the prairie area, further reducing real estate taxes. Shagbark embodies extraordinary taste, elegance, and stewardship. A magnificent refuge meticulously reimagined for the next generation.
Exterior Features
- Waterfront No
- Parking Spaces 6
- Pool Yes
- Parking Description Asphalt, Brick Driveway, Gravel, Circular Driveway, Garage Door Opener, Heated Garage, Garage, Yes, Garage Owned, Attached
- Exterior Features Roof Deck
- Roof Description Tile
- Style Traditional
Interior Features
- Adjusted Sqft 11,036Sq.Ft
- Cooling Description Central Air, Zoned
- Equipment Appliances Range, Microwave, Dishwasher, High End Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Disposal, Trash Compactor, Wine Refrigerator, Water Purifier Owned, Gas Oven, Range Hood
- Floor Description Hardwood
- Heating Description Natural Gas, Forced Air, Zoned, Radiant Floor
- Interior Features Vaulted Ceiling(s), Wet Bar, 1st Floor Bedroom, 1st Floor Full Bath, Built-in Features, Walk-In Closet(s), Bookcases, Coffered Ceiling(s), Historic/Period Mlwk, Special Millwork, Cocktail Lounge, Separate Dining Room, Paneling, Pantry, Quartz Counters
- Sqft 11,036Sq.Ft
Property Features
- Address 25185 Shagbark Rd
- Association Fee Frequency Not Applicable
- Community Features Horse-Riding Trails, Gated
- Furnished Info yes
- Garage 3
- Possession Closing
- Roof Tile
- Sewer Description Public Sewer
- HOA Fees $0
- Subdivision Complex 25185 Shagbark
- Subdivision Info
- Tax Amount $51,069
- Tax Year 2025
- Type of Property Detached Single
- Water Source Well
25185 Shagbark Rd
Mettawa, IL 60045Similar Properties ForSale
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